Food?

[Gentleman Geoff]

A stupid question from a Le Man first-timer...

Is it worth bringing a small camping stove for the trip? Space is going to be pretty limited in the boot of my car, so I'd rather not take loads of unnecessary gear with me. Are you even allowed to take camping stoves or barbecues to the camping areas?

I take it there are plenty of burger vans around the circuit, and we could stock up on beer, baguettes and brie at a supermarket on the way. Any thoughts or advice greatly appreciated!

[BigWithey]

Yes... at the least for a cuppa at 0400 on Sunday morning having just returned from Arnarge corner.... as a 1st timer you must try to get there during the night.

[jamiebae]

Take a small gas stove, buy a BBQ when you're there to cook your meat on

Burger vans are revolting and expensive.

[911legend]

im squeezing a stove in and buying some canned food at carrefoure the vans at track are only good for chips

[Mellow_Yellow]

Yep, buy a BBQ when you're there, decent metal one's about £10 or disposables a couple of quid each at the hypermarkets. If, perish the thought, you do get tired of beer the stove is useful for a brew.

However, if you're going via the chunnel, be warned that the security take ten minutes turning your car inside-out if you tell them you have gas on board.

[//j17]

jamiebae said:

Take a small gas stove, buy a BBQ when you're there to cook your meat on

Burger vans are revolting and expensive.

...which reminds me - buy bacon before leaving!

[dienamic]

Mellow_Yellow said:

if you're going via the chunnel, be warned that the security take ten minutes turning your car inside-out if you tell them you have gas on board.

Just keep it handy. They'll ask to see the canister then stick a sticker on your screen.

[BigWithey]

Freeze into a solid block stick in the cool box ... lasts 3-4 days

[Longers]

Gentleman Geoff said:

A stupid question from a Le Man first-timer...

Is it worth bringing a small camping stove for the trip? Space is going to be pretty limited in the boot of my car, so I'd rather not take loads of unnecessary gear with me.

Geoff,
Not a stupid question!

Yes there are burger vans and some places where you can sit down for a meal in the "village" behind the pits. Food is expensive and not great though, it's ok for a snack but not much more if you're there for 3 or 4 days.... We'll have a slap up lunch somewhere away from the track for Friday lunch but for the rest of the time I'll be taking a small stove and a couple of compact camping saucepans to cook beans/tinned veg etc while a locally purchased bbq looks after the meat. Will also be handy for my travelling companions who can't walk more than 10ft from the tent in the morning without having a coffee

I'm always surprised what I can fit in my S by using small bags around/behind/on top of the spare wheel & roof panels in the boot plus the rear shelf - tent, 2 sleepmats, 2 sleeping bags, cooking kit, camera, lenses, tripod, kit bags for 2 people, spares, tools, 2 fold up chairs, first aid kit etc etc.

Longers
PS thanks for the cheque

[Gentleman Geoff]

Thanks for the replies.

It sounds like I should get hold of a small stove, at least for making a brew. It's either that or head over to Chez Longers for my morning coffee and again later on for a slap-up meal of barbecued meat and tinned veg!

Longers, you are dead right about the boot space in the S - I was camping in the Lakes last weekend and everyone was amazed by how much stuff I managed to fit in the boot. Glad you got the cheque.

[Longers]

Geoff, by the end of the weekend when the fresh meat has gone (or gone off) we've been known to crack open some tinned curry and boil some rice or even some pasta and a jar of sauce

We know how to live

[jamiebae]

Longers said:

Geoff, by the end of the weekend when the fresh meat has gone (or gone off) we've been known to crack open some tinned curry and boil some rice or even some pasta and a jar of sauce

We know how to live

Not a problem for us - daily trips to Carrefour were needed to buy ice to top up the cool-box and keep the beers chilled so we always bought the meat fresh each morning.